Strong Thesis / Weak Thesis

Choose the strong thesis.

• I would like to become a chef when I finish school

• Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.

Which CLAIM is the strongest for the following thesis statements?

• Violent video games are harmful for young people to play.

• Violent video games are harmful to young people, and it should be stopped.

• Violent video games are harmful for young people to play because  children can become desensitized to death.

• Violent video games are harmful for young people because they should be reading a book.

Choose the strong thesis.

• I would like to become a chef when I finish school

• Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.

A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as, "This essay will talk about ........"Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?

• A. Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Russia, more and more people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite the cultural pressures.

• B. I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than getting married.

• C. Marriage in Russia.

A thesis statement is a complete sentence. A thesis statement is not a question.Which of these is a thesis statement?

• A. Knowing a foreign language.

• B. Why should people know a foreign language?

• C. Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill.  It can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one's mind to the ideas of another culture.

A thesis statement states an attitude or opinion on a topic.  It doesn't just state the topic, itself.  A thesis should not be a fact. Which of these is a thesis statement?

• A. Michaelangelo's artwork is famous and admired by many.

• B. Michaelangelo's artwork is powerful because of its strong spiritual understones.

• C. Michaelangelo was a great artist in Rome during 1500's.

A thesis statement can be made more specific by listing subpoints.  These help give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in your essay. Which of these makes a clear thesis statement?

• A. The reason why I came to the United States is to study.

• B. The reasons why I came to the United States to study were to educate myself and then return to Malaysia to apply my education.

• C. There were many reasons why I came to the United States to study.

Choose the best thesis: Write an essay explaining your definition of true friendship.

• A true friend is someone who you can always count on supporting you.

• A friendship is something you can see grow like a tree.

• True friendship isn't real, everyone is out for themselves.

• All of the above.

Choose the best thesis: Write an essay explaining the importance of being honest.

• Honesty is the best policy.

• It is important to be honest so you have trust from your peers.

• Being honest is an important part of life because it tells who you are.

• You don't always have to be honest, sometimes you need to lie.

Choose the best thesis: Write an essay explaining the best way to save money.

• The best way to save money is by buying lottery tickets.

• Money is the lifeblood of America. 

• Don't save money, use it. We don't take anything when we die.

• Saving money is like planting a tree. The best way to do it is to start small and wait for it to grow.